Why Embracing Controversial Topics Can Catapult Your Real Estate YouTube Channel

Is stirring the pot with controversial topics the key to skyrocketing your real estate YouTube channel?

In a world saturated with content, diving into the realm of YouTube controversy might just be the jolt your channel needs to stand out. While some may shy away from the idea, I challenge you to embrace the heat and spark conversations that can elevate your presence in the real estate sphere. I used to be one of those people who avoided controversy like the plague. But when I accidentally became polarizing, I was shocked at what t did to my channel!

Ready to break the mold and make your mark? Let's dive into why embracing controversial topics on YouTube could be the game-changer you've been waiting for.

Harnessing YouTube Controversy

The Power of Controversial Topics

Controversial topics have a unique pull. They can drive a surge of viewers to your real estate YouTube channel faster than any open house showcase. When you tap into controversy, you're not just sharing information; you're inviting a conversation.

Viewers engage more when they're emotionally stirred, whether they agree or disagree with the point being made. This engagement is gold on YouTube. It translates into longer watch times, more comments, and increased sharing.

Controversial topics, handled responsibly, can establish you as a thought leader in the real estate industry. They show you're not afraid to tackle tough questions or call out problems in the market. By confronting these issues head-on, you're building trust with your audience, showing them you're not just another agent – you're a professional with a finger on the pulse of the industry.

Navigating the Risks of YouTube Controversy

While diving into controversial topics can elevate your channel, it's a tightrope walk over potential pitfalls. The key is to navigate these waters with care. It's vital to maintain professionalism and stick to facts to uphold your reputation as a real estate expert. Remember, your aim is to provoke thought, not hostility.

I made a video after the proposed NAR settlement was announced on March 15th to my community of REALTORS®. I wanted to reassure everyone that we'd be ok, we would navigate these new rules and not be driven out of the business.

The YouTube algorithm pushed that video out to thousands and thousands of new viewers, mostly consumers. And boy, did they have a LOT to say about our profession!

At first I was horrified. I felt attacked in the comments and I hadn't meant to offend anyone. I wasn't sure whether I should take the video down, respond to the mean comments, or just hide my head in the sand. I told my assistant I wasn't even going to read the comments because it made me want to cry.

But then I had a bit of an epiphany. The real estate agents who were commenting THANKED ME for reassuring them. They appreciated that I was sticking up for our profession in a very public forum. They felt supported in a way they hadn't since the news dropped.

I thought, "What if I make a follow up video designed to be intentionally controversial, polarizing on purpose? What would happen?" So I decided to do it. I talked about all the things I normally don't discuss at all. Politics, legal updates, commission structure, inflammatory headlines in the news... I held nothing back!

It scared me to death to hit publish, I'm not going to lie. And that video has had 14,000 views and counting in only a few weeks. YouTube LOVED the controversial aspect of this video and showed it to a whole new audience. Yes, there were a ton of negative comments from consumers who don't know what we do on a daily basis and believe what they read in mainstream media.

But there was an outpouring of support from REALTORS® and I gained 300 new subscribers. They clearly loved this content and wanted to follow me. And the most important thing I learned? I didn't die from negative comments. I was stronger than I thought. I was able to take the bad along with the good and not let the trolls make me want to run away and hide.

I learned that YouTube wants videos to promote to a larger audience, that will get lots of clicks and views and keep people on their platform longer. And taking a polarizing position is one very effective way to do that.

When it comes to controversy, don't just be inflammatory for the sake of getting clicks. Always provide context to your claims and be open to different perspectives in the comments section. This openness shows your willingness to engage in healthy debate, which can further solidify your credibility. Be cautious not to alienate your core audience with extreme views, and avoid personal attacks at all costs.

A misstep can not only damage your channel's growth but can also result in lasting harm to your professional image. Approach controversy with a clear strategy, always aiming to inform and challenge rather than incite or offend.

Becoming the Voice of Real Estate

Counteracting Negative Narratives

In the real estate industry, negative narratives can spread like wildfire, damaging reputations and skewing public perception. As a real estate professional, you have the power to counteract these narratives through your YouTube channel. By addressing controversial topics, you can correct misconceptions and present a well-informed perspective that adds depth to the conversation. It's about defending the industry with facts and sharing success stories that often go untold.

Take the challenge head-on; don't let misleading or one-sided stories be the only voice. Use your platform to highlight the integrity and hard work that defines the majority of real estate professionals. By doing so, you not only defend your own reputation but also contribute positively to the industry's image.

Become an advocate for the truth and use controversy as a tool to shine a light on the real story of real estate.

Advocating with Passion and Precision

As a defender of the real estate industry, it's your duty to advocate with both passion and precision. When addressing controversial topics, your passion is what ignites the interest of viewers and peers alike. It's the spark that can transform a simple video into a powerful statement.

However, passion without precision can lead to missteps. Precision means doing your homework, backing up your statements with data, and delivering your message clearly. This combination ensures that your call to action is not just heard, but respected and followed.

Use your videos to educate and empower, showing that you're not merely a participant in the real estate industry, but a passionate advocate for its progress.

By merging passion with precision, you become a formidable voice that can influence public opinion and drive meaningful change in the industry.

And you can ignore the negative comments, you can reply, or you can delete them. It's your channel and you get to make that decision. But when those trolls come for you, and they will, I hope you find that you're stronger than you thought you were, just like I did.